Empowering Rural Youth Through STEM Education: The STEMVOX Academy Story

TL;DR
Timothy Gard is the founder of STEMVOX Academy in Owen Sound.
The academy offers hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to youth in rural communities.
Students engage in real-world projects like robotics, engineering, and hydroponics.
Timothy’s background as an educator drives his passion for teaching STEM and entrepreneurship.
The academy fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills in students.
Timothy plans to expand his program to reach more students in the surrounding areas.
Watch the Interview with Timothy Gard
Timothy Gard: From Educator to Entrepreneur
Timothy Gard has always been passionate about teaching, technology, and empowering youth.
Originally from Owen Sound, Timothy spent 30 years in Toronto as a teacher, where he gained a deep interest in STEM education. He was introduced to the acronym “STEM” in 2009 at a conference in Washington and quickly became inspired by the potential it held for students.
Over the years, he integrated technology into classrooms, encouraging students to use tech not just for entertainment, but for solving real-world problems.
After retiring and returning to Owen Sound, Timothy saw an opportunity to offer hands-on STEM education in a region that lacked such programs.
With the goal of offering an alternative to traditional schooling, he founded STEMVOX Academy—a place where kids can learn by doing, experimenting, and creating.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
At STEMVOX Academy, students work on real-world projects that challenge them to think critically and solve complex problems.
The academy is unique because it focuses not just on the tools—like 3D printers and robotics—but also on the essential soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
Students at the academy have the opportunity to work on projects that mirror actual industry challenges, such as designing earthquake-resistant buildings or building robots that can navigate complex environments.
“Our emphasis is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve students well as they grow,” says Timothy.
One example of a project involved building earthquake-resistant structures using sensors to measure the strength of the design. “The kids not only built the structures, but they also tested them with a simulated earthquake, analyzed the data, and improved their designs.”
Expanding into Entrepreneurship
Timothy’s vision for STEMVOX Academy goes beyond traditional STEM education.
He’s incorporating entrepreneurship into the curriculum, encouraging kids to take their ideas and turn them into businesses.
“We’re seeing kids come up with ideas and then learn how to turn those ideas into a business concept. This gives them a real-world connection to what they’re learning,” Timothy shares.
The inclusion of entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with Timothy’s broader vision of empowering rural youth to become problem-solvers and innovators in their own communities.
Rather than just preparing students for jobs in large corporations, STEMVOX Academy is helping them realize the possibility of starting their own ventures, especially in niche markets where their skills can make a difference.
Why Rural Areas Offer Unique Opportunities
Though starting a business in a rural area may come with its challenges—like limited resources or a smaller market—Timothy sees these as opportunities.
“In the city, STEM is everywhere, and everyone knows what it is,” he explains. “But here in rural areas, I have to educate the community on what STEM means and how it impacts the future.”
Timothy’s approach to rural entrepreneurship has also allowed him to connect with local experts in areas like agriculture, hydroponics, and even environmental science.
With many families in the area working at Bruce Nuclear or in agriculture, there’s a growing interest in STEM education to prepare the next generation for careers in these fields.
In addition, Timothy is working to connect STEMVOX Academy with other local businesses and organizations to expand the scope of the program.
“We want to work with experts who can provide real-world knowledge to students. Whether it’s a farmer, engineer, or tech entrepreneur, these professionals can share their experience and inspire students.”
Integrating Technology and Innovation into Agriculture
One exciting area of exploration at STEMVOX Academy is hydroponics—a field that’s gaining attention for its potential to revolutionize agriculture.
Timothy plans to integrate hydroponics into the academy’s curriculum, allowing students to learn about sustainable farming practices while using cutting-edge technology.
“We’re introducing sensors to measure humidity, temperature, and even the chemical composition of water,” he says. “The goal is to teach kids how science, technology, and engineering are all connected to the real world, especially in sectors like agriculture.”
By connecting STEM education with the environment, STEMVOX Academy is not only teaching kids about technology but also helping them understand how they can improve the world around them, including in sectors like agriculture that are vital to rural communities.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Timothy encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be honest with themselves and understand the hard work that goes into building a business.
“It’s not going to be easy. You have to be a self-starter, willing to put in the work, and always be learning,” he advises.
He also stresses the importance of community. “As an entrepreneur, you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with a network of people who can support you and give you feedback.”
Timothy’s story is a testament to the power of combining passion with entrepreneurship. He’s not just teaching STEM—he’s building a legacy of problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Owen Sound and beyond.
Final Thoughts
STEMVOX Academy is changing the way rural youth think about science, technology, engineering, math and entrepreneurship.
Through hands-on learning, real-world projects, and a focus on critical thinking, Timothy Gard is helping the next generation of problem-solvers develop the skills they need to succeed.
His journey shows that entrepreneurship can thrive in rural areas, and with the right vision and dedication, anything is possible.
About the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series
The Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series delves into the stories of rural entrepreneurs, exploring their struggles, triumphs, and the driving force behind their perseverance. The conversations are profound and insightful. If you're interested in being a sponsor or guest, feel free to contact us or book some time with Chris.
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